Friday, January 1, 2010

2009

I know, I know – it’s typical to do the whole, “I’m looking back on the last year” thing. Deal with it. I need to blog and it’s an easy topic.

Okay.

So.

2009 – it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Holy crap, I mean, I might as well just open up a couple Hallmark cards and scan them or something. So far, this post is reminding me of a favorite word: mawkish.

No need to look it up, you’re experiencing it right now.

So, 2009. You were a pretty good year, if not a potential life-changing one.

Evidence

1.) I am still alive.a. I consider this to be a bonus, generally. So, props to 2009 for meeting my #1 criteria – life.2.) I moved to Oregona. It was a big decision to leave friends and family and move all the way out to the heathen Northwest. Of course, the ‘heathen’ Northwest tends to fit my liberal ways much better. So, point scored.3.) Moneya. for the first time in a long time, I’m not stressed about money. We actually have a good amount left over when the bastards of capitalism (and utilities) come calling each month. So, yay coffers and all that.

4. Writinga. This has been a good year for me as a writer. I took a big step and queried some agents. I nearly fell over when one of said agents was like, “Bryan, you are the bomb.” (Okay, he didn’t say that, but whatever… get off my case. This is my blog.) I finished a revision that I never would have done before, sent it to said agent, and am now waiting to hear back on the next step. As if it even needs to be said… word to your mother, fools.

5. Friends and Familya. My wife, kids, brothers, sisters – all of them – are pretty okay. I mean, seriously, they are severely alright. Without them, things wouldn’t be as fine.

b. Friends. I’ve come to respect and admire a lot of people online, especially when it comes to writing. Ray Veen is a funny, talented writer – and one of the few people I feel completely uninhibited to send my writing to. Nova Ren Suma is the kind of writer I want to be - talented and humble (we already share a natural and fairly rare ability to stress about small things like the SEND button on our e-mail accounts.) Mike Jung – just for being awesome; He also has delusions of being an inter-galatic warlord or something… Vivi/Vikki Brotherton Bickell for being one of the few women who truly appreciate a Star Wars reference. Heather Kelley for giving me my first interview… Mary Kole, who shares a fear of mountain lions and made me promise never to use the word ‘pre-published’… all the people at Verla Kay, Jesus, Axl Rose, and John Cusack (of course.)

Before I thank the Academy, let me just give you my goals for the year:

1.) Stay alive.2.) See no mountain lions (closely associated with #1 on the list)3.) Become a better writer.4.) Get the band back together.

I’m sure I missed some important things, people, events – sorry. I’ve got kids to take to the park right now.